Global security watch--Russia : a reference handbook / Richard Weitz.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

A shaky phoenix : Russia's strategic revival -- Russia's military-industrial complex -- Nuclear weapons and arms control -- Regional security issues -- Georgia -- Conclusion: Whither Russia? -- Appendix A: Biographies -- Appendix B: Chronology -- Appendix C: Documents.

This book offers an expert analysis of Russia{u2019}s foreign and military defense policies since the Federation was established in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Russian Federation may have become separated from significant human power and natural resources in its transition from the old Soviet empire, but with a permanent United Nations Security Council seat, enviable oil and natural gas reserves, one of the world{u2019}s largest conventional armies, and enough nuclear weapons to destroy any country, Russia remains the most important global security actor besides the United States. To help readers understand the current state of this crucially important country, Global Security Watch{u2014}Russia: A Reference Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the main foreign and defense policies of the Russian Federation. Global Security Watch{u2014}Russia focuses on political-military developments in the nation that emerged in the aftermath of the Soviet Union{u2019}s collapse in December 1991. The book looks at a variety of factors that characterize Russia{u2019}s position in world security matters, such as its leading position as an arms exporter and its still-overwhelming nuclear capability. Coverage includes critical recent events, such as the growing alienation between Russia and the West, the August 2008 Georgian War, and the effects of the global financial crisis on Russia{u2019}s vulnerable economy. Features {u2022} Contains excerpts from leaders' key speeches as well as Russia's seminal foreign policy and defense concepts {u2022} Includes a comprehensive chronology, in essay format, of political-military developments in Russia since 1991 Highlights {u2022} Offers the first and only expert analysis of Russian foreign and defense policy through the first year of the Dmitry Medvedev's presidency {u2022} Provides a detailed history of the 2008 war in Georgia and comprehensive assessments of Russia's nuclear and military-industrial complexes {u2022} Draws heavily from a number of Russian and foreign publications from governments, think tanks, and newspapers.